Diplomatic Tensions: Moldova Expels Russian Diplomat Amid Allegations

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the expulsion of a Russian diplomat after two Moldovan officials were detained on charges of treason and conspiracy. The detentions are linked to the officials allegedly providing sensitive information to a foreign embassy. The incident has further strained Moldova-Russia relations.

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that it has expelled a Russian diplomat following the detention of two Moldovan officials on suspicion of treason and conspiracy against the European Union candidate country.

According to the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases, one official is accused of treason for allegedly sharing sensitive information with an embassy employee, while the other is charged with plotting against Moldova for personal gain. The suspects, who work in Parliament and the border police, were detained for 72 hours and implicated in alleged collaboration with a foreign embassy in Chisinau.

The foreign ministry summoned Russia's ambassador, Oleg Vasnetsov, to inform him that an unnamed embassy worker involved was declared persona non grata. Moldova's authorities stated that they have evidence of the diplomat engaging in activities incompatible with diplomatic status. This incident exacerbates already strained relations between Russia and Moldova, which has opposed Russia's actions in Ukraine. Moldova previously expelled another Russian diplomat in March following Russia's unauthorized polling activities in Transnistria. The country also accuses Russia of waging a 'hybrid war' through disinformation and support for anti-government activities. Moldova's upcoming referendum on EU membership and presidential election add further tension to the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)